Masters (via company) Thoughts/Experiences?

ShriekingSheet

I am starting a part-time Masters in September, and really delighted that my company are willing to pay for it.

Aside from the educational usefulness (or otherwise), I'm looking for thoughts/experiences from people on aspects like moving companies down the line. I am happy in the business, and see myself staying long term, but no one can say for sure. While it may be in the contract that they could recoup money from me if I leave within X years, some people have said to me companies never really do so, assume you leave amicably, and not the day after you finish the qualification! Others have told me that a company seeking to take you on can often stump up the cash as part of your new deal to pay the company you are leaving for the costs of the masters.

As you can see, I'm working with a lot of heresay, and people giving me their own experience as typical, which it may well not be. It's not a topic people easily yap about, so hoping I can get some decent information on how others have gotten on here.

Also, has anyone found the doing of the qualification impacted them over the two years, ie: people assuming they weren't / couldn't be working at full tilt given the study burden. And is it much of a benefit once you're qualified, or is it a matter of hoping to reap the benefits over time?

It's possibly too good an opportunity to turn down, but at the same time, I'd just like to go in with my eyes open.

Tarzana2

Why don't you find out your company's policy on if you need to stay for a certain amount of time after completion of the Masters or if you need to recoup any costs if you leave in a certain amount of time?

I know at one company I worked for, you'd to stay for two years after completing your Masters. I'd imagine if this was breached, you'd need to pay back some of the costs.

A Masters is always of value, especially if it's being paid for!

smcgiff

I would expect all companies to claim back the fees within a certain period of qualifying if you leave. Adding more anecdotes isn't going to make any difference unless they come from the same company you are working in.

Good luck with your studies.

pauliebdub

Get details of the company's policy on education sponsorship, I know in my place you must stay for a certain number of years once completed. Why would a company invest in the education of an employee that leaves the company on completion?

Mr. Loverman

ShriekingSheet wrote: »

Also, has anyone found the doing of the qualification impacted them over the two years, ie: people assuming they weren't / couldn't be working at full tilt given the study burden.

I did a masters at night while working full-time and running a business part-time. It didn't affect my work at all and no one cared I was doing a masters. People won't be spending time thinking about you, so stop worrying about what they might or might not be thinking.

ShriekingSheet wrote: »

And is it much of a benefit once you're qualified, or is it a matter of hoping to reap the benefits over time?

The only benefit really is having it on your CV or improving your odds of doing a doctorate later.

starlit

If the company is offering it to you to take it up its a very good opportunity. A Masters and work together will stand to you it show you are dedicated. Definitely look into what the policy is regarding how long you need to stay with the company after the Masters. If you happy in the company and its going well working there you be pleased with that. Different if you wanted a new challenge or change of scenery/job.

GalwayGrrrrrl

I recently completed my masters part time while working. I found it actually helped my day job while I was studying- for example I could sit in on meetings/training events with the excuse that I needed to as part of my masters- then once I was on the list for those meetings I was never taken off - it really helped me to raise my profile. It sounds like you have a great opportunity here and I think you should go for it. If you find study and work hard to balance you may be able to take a break between modules/years. My course was three years part time and I took breaks between each year for various reasons. That helped me get through it (although it prolongs the agony somewhat!!)

Eoin

some people have said to me companies never really do so, assume you leave amicably, and not the day after you finish the qualification! Others have told me that a company seeking to take you on can often stump up the cash as part of your new deal to pay the company you are leaving for the costs of the masters.

My employer is pretty good with perks, and educational assistance is one of them. But I know for a fact they recoup the money if someone leaves before the agreed date.

A new company might indeed pay it though - in the grand scheme of things, it's not a big expense for them to take on, especially if you can be flexible with your salary requirements.

I don't know about the work/life/study balance - but in practical terms, there doesn't seem to be too many downsides. Worst case scenario, you may need to get a loan or have some savings to pay them off.

helimachoptor

I am going to start a masters in September this year.

I went to the company about it, so just doing the paperwork at the minute to apply for funding which i expect to get.

as has been said above there will be claw back which imo is reasonable in these situations

Leave within 1 year of completing and i have to pay back 100%
Leave within 2 years of completing and i have to pay back 50%

I'll have time off and be a bit more flexible working from home and obviously if they pay for it all its win win